Museum of Glass

Workshops

Past workshops

Basketry with Margaret Mathewson

May 22, 2017: Philomath, OR

Do you have a basketry collection or a piece you need to identify? Want to know if it was made regionally, nationally on internationally? Or, are you just interested in knowing more about basketry? If so, join OMA, RCWR and Margaret Mathewson on May 22, from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the Benton County Historical Museum in Philomath, OR. We will be providing a bag lunch, and you’re invited to continue your conversation with fellow attendees over a light tea from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Workshop fee is $35 for OMA and RCWR members / $50 for non-members which includes an annual membership to either OMA or RCWR.

Workshop Details:During this workshop, Margaret will demonstrate the proper care, storage, and handling of basketry. She will discuss analysis: including techniques, materials and attribution of origin. Margaret will talk about proper practices for housing and cleaning baskets, and basketry identification. As well, she will discuss the philosophy of not repairing baskets, rather leaving a basket in its current state so as not to compromise later study. Feel free to bring a piece from your collection to use as your specimen for the day!

We will be providing a bag lunch, and you’re invited to continue your conversation with fellow attendees over a light tea from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Margaret Mathewson is a scholar, teacher, and basket maker, weaving contemporary and traditional styles from many parts of the world since 1980. After graduating from UC Santa Cruz, she did graduate work at UC Berkeley focusing on contemporary issues in the maintenance of ancestral ways among native peoples in California. She pursued post-doctoral study at the Smithsonian USNMNH, focused on the study of old basketry collections and working with tribes to revive traditions. She continues to attend Western Native weavers’ gatherings every year and works for tribes in several states on issues of land management, access to weaving materials and ancestral food plants, and on cultural resources education. She also teaches Native American Land Management and Agriculture in the Department of Agriculture at Oregon State University.

Crash Course in Collections

June 16, 2015: various, Utah

RC-WR and the Utah Division of Arts and Museums cosponsored the Crash Course in Collections workshop on June 16. There were 16 participants from small museums all over the state. The workshop focused on an introduction to basic storage (boxes and cavity mounts), display (including hinging and matting), object labeling and condition reporting, and object handling.

iPad 101: Tablet Technology for the Registrar

September 26, 2014:

38 registrars attended the workshop held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. With generous support from Robertson Taylor and Atelier 4, we were able to fly out Brent Mitchell from the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Texas. Brent is the head registrar at the Modern and has researched and practiced mobile technology for years in his continuous efforts to streamline his workload with mobile technology. Brent presented on using the iPad for exhibitions, loans, and collections care. He also demonstrated apps on his iPad while participants followed along on their own tablets.

Meghan Grossman Hansen from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Museum presented on how she has adapted tablet technology for digital condition reporting and traveling exhibitions while working within the constraints of an institution with stringent security (e.g. no DropBox) and no wifi in the galleries.

RC-WR received an overwhelming response of interest for the workshop and we’re happy to announce that the workshop was video recorded. The video is currently being formatted by the Audio Visual department at LACMA, and we will be posted to the RC-WR website as soon as it’s available.

May 3, 2014: Flagstaff, AZ

The Museum of Northern Arizona hosted this workshop in conjunction with the 2014 MAA Annual Conference. The workshop focused on the long-term preservation of photographic and audiovisual materials, which is an ongoing concern amongst registrars and collection managers as technologies continue to rapidly advance.

Kim R. du Boise, Senior Conservator at PhotoArts Imaging Professionals, presented on the topic as well as provided hands-on demonstrations on photograph preservation techniques. Elaine Hughes, Collections Manager at the MNA, gave a tour of the new Easton Collection Center; a LEED certified building that sets a new standard for collection storage. Finally, Andreane Balconi, Archives Associate at the MNA, shared some of the Museum’s unique photographic holdings.

Care of Collections: Paper

October 9, 2013: Salt Lake City, Utah

Exploring the specific needs of paper-based collections: the nature of paper, environmental issues, storage and display considerations as well as the basics of remedial care. Learn how to make material choices for storage housing and enclosures including understanding how these materials affect the storage microenvironment. Workshop exercises and demonstrations encompass understanding catalogue descriptions for the purchase of supplies and introductory remedial care methods.

Cockled, Frayed and Friable: A Conservator’s View to the Art of Condition Reporting

April 12, 2013: Pacific Palisades, CA

Sharpen your condition reporting skills in this technical workshop led by conservators working with a variety of materials related to paper, paintings, textiles and outdoor sculpture. The workshop will cover definitions and tools for accurate assessments, proper handling of various objects and materials, and new technologies for condition reporting. The conservator’s view to condition report writing will be invaluable to registrars, collections managers, art couriers and any museum professional handing art and historical objects.

Textile Conservation Workshop

April 4, 2013: Clackamas, OR

Proper textile preservation doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. This workshop, sponsored by the Registrars Committee – Western Region with support from the Oregon Museums Association, will provide those with some objects handling experience and those who wish to brush up on their skills a deeper knowledge of textile preventative care. A brief introduction to fiber composition and structure will help you understand why textiles do what they do, and why we care for them in the manner in which we do. By the end of this workshop you will know how to create an effective condition report, properly prepare textiles for storage, how to construct padded hangers (yours to take home), and how to photograph and roll textiles. As well, a portion of the afternoon will be dedicated to box construction. Feel free to bring an object that will fit into the 13″L x 8″W x 2.5″H practice box you will construct and keep.

Disaster Recovery for Collections: The First 24-48 Hours After an Emergency

October 21, 2012: Palm Springs, CA

Disaster response requires quick action and immediate decisions. Join this workshop and get a jump start on your preparation and training! Participants will learn recovery methods from experienced senior conservators, practice skills through a wet recovery drill, and discover their planning weaknesses.

Don’t delay — the early bird conference registration deadline is July 31st! For more information on the conference and to register, visit the WMA website.

This workshop has been sponsored by the Registrars Committee Western Region with generous funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Environmental Management: Stewardship & Sustainability

May 22, 2012: Portland, OR

This one-day program will explore new approaches to controlling environmental conditions in cultural institutions. Leading experts in the field will present physically and financially feasible environmental control strategies to help institutions preserve collections materials for the long term.

Topics to be covered will include:

The collections environment

Understanding the building/climate relationship

New approaches and best practices for environmental control

Environmental monitoring and data analysis

This program is intended for staff of cultural heritage organizations responsible for monitoring and managing environmental conditions for collections, including registrars, facilities managers, archivists, librarians, curators, collections managers, and stewards of historic house museums.

Surveying and Assessing Collections Needs

September 23, 2011: Honolulu, HI

Surveying and assessing an institution’s collection care needs is an important step in the development of a preservation plan. Participants will learn about different types of surveys and assessments, and how to best evaluate institutional needs and shape the resultant plan. Funding sources for surveys and how a survey can be used as a funding tool for implementations strategies will be discussed. Practicum includes use of equipment and testing methods to monitor environmental conditions as well as procedures for analysis of results. This workshop is designed to provide guidance and resources for participants to assess immediate and future preservation needs of collections.

Basic Principles of Mount Making & Beyond

September 23, 2011: Honolulu, HI

Attend this half day workshop and learn basic and advanced principles of mount making and earthquake mitigation measures, from contours, clips and cast interfaces to seismic isolation. Panelists will speak about the latest materials being used, methods, systems, designed environments, best practices and affordable solutions. Learn how to safely mount your art and artifacts while fulfilling your curators and exhibition designers’ visions.

Soft Packing Workshop

September 23, 2011: Honolulu, HI

Learn how to safely move and store your artworks and artifacts using soft packing methods. This collections session gives you practical solutions to common problems faced when caring for precious objects. The panelists will cover detailed descriptions of safe archival material, design and techniques, and shipment options.

Not-So-Easy Object Storage: Solutions Found

September 1, 2011: Seattle, WA

“How the heck do I store that?” Find out about some of the innovative solutions that collections care professionals in the Puget Sound area have developed for artifacts and objects from archaeological, art, ethnographic, historical, and popular culture collections. Attendees will have an opportunity to dialogue with the presenters to share ideas and seek advice about their own institutions’ storage challenges.

Fine Art Museum Collections and Exhibition Insurance

August 5, 2011: Los Angeles, CA

Refresh your knowledge on the basics of Museum and Exhibition collections insurance. Learn how to purchase Fine Art Collections and Exhibition insurance or what you can do to improve your current policy. Learn some of the current issues concerning exhibition insurance issues both on domestic and international levels.

Natural History Collections: Now That’s Preserved!

April 29, 2011: Los Angeles, CA

Ever wonder how fluid-preserved specimens, birds, mammals, fish, vertebrate paleontology or minerals are managed within a museum context? Natural History collections present special challenges because they include an entire spectrum of animal, vegetable and mineral items which range in various stages of growth. Learn how these collections are managed and how the structure of a Natural History museum might (or might not) differ from your institution.

Managing FIDM Museum’s Fashion Collection

February 18, 2011: Los Angeles, CA

The FIDM Museum at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Los Angeles campus houses a Permanent and Study Collection of over 12,000 garments, accessories, and textiles from the 18th century through the present day, including film and theatre costume. It is one of the largest such collections in the United States, and top designer holdings include Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, and Lacroix. The FIDM Museum also houses the early Hollywood Costume Collection on loan from the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks. Join your fellow RC-WR members as we learn from Meghan Hansen, Registrar of the FIDM Museum, how she and her staff manage this unique collection.

Two forums with local museum & arts professionals

February 2, 2011: Pheonix, AZ

Wednesday, February 2nd & Wednesday, February 16th

“What do art professionals do?”

“What can I do with an art degree?”

“Do museum studies majors have to work in museums?”

Creating an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for Collections

October 17, 2010: Portland, OR

The AAM reviews emergency and disaster plans as part of the accreditation process and specifies that plans need to address staff, visitors, structures, and collections; however the Heritage Health Index determined that 80% of collecting institutions do not have an emergency or disaster plan that includes collections, including how to prevent and prepare for an emergency, and the components of a comprehensive response and recovery plan. Handouts are provided to assist participants in drafting a tailored Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for their museum.

Art Handling Workshop

October 16, 2010: Portland, OR

This all day workshop is geared towards museum and other professionals concerned with the safe handling of artworks and artifacts. Areas of focus will include: The basics of handling practices in regard to installations, packing, and storage; handling requirements of objects on loan with emphasis on technical and material requirements of each topical area; job descriptions; and educational opportunities. Training will also be presented on how to build and/or expand staff in any collection-based program.

Soft Packing Workshop

October 11, 2010: Park City, UT

Learn how to safely move and store your artworks and artifacts using soft packing methods. This collections session gives you practical solutions to common problems faced when caring for precious objects.

Maintenance of Bronze Plaques Workshop

April 5, 2010: Honolulu, HI

Basic conservation maintenance of bronze plaques and markers will be covered in this morning workshop. The skills learned are applicable to other metal objects. The workshop will have a cleaning and waxing demonstration on a large bronze plaque. Participants will break up into groups to work (hands-on) on other plaques. This workshop is out-of-doors and hands-on, please dress appropriately. The workshop will be organized as follows: 1) Meet-up and introductions. 2) Condition reporting. 3) Washing demonstration. 4) Groups wash plaques. 5) Waxing demonstration. 6) Groups wax plaques. 7) Treatment reporting. 8) Close.

Appraisal Issues for Museums Seminar

February 22, 2010: Honolulu, HI

Location: ‘Iolani Palace

Art Handling Workshop

November 20, 2009: San Francisco, CA

This all day workshop is geared towards museum and other professionals concerned with the safe handling of artworks and artifacts. Areas of focus will include: The basics of handling practices in regard to installations, packing, and storage; handling requirements of objects on loan with emphasis on technical and material requirements of each topical area; job descriptions; and educational opportunities. Training will also be presented on how to build and/or expand staff in any collection-based program.

Navigating New Media in Collections without Going Adrift

October 25, 2009: San Diego, CA

Time-based media such as video art, sound sculptures, oral histories, and other recorded media have been entering our museums collections and exhibitions for decades. The care and management of these works continues to challenge registrars and collection preservationists around the world as media changes are tied to the continuous advancement of technology.

How do we preserve these works without compromising the artists’ intent? How to we, or should we, apply museum collection standards onto this migrating medium? Join your fellow registrars, collection managers, conservators, and media technical managers in an open dialogue as we discuss current issues, preservation advancements, and other challenging museum practices surrounding time-based artwork. Proposed speakers represent a range of collections managers/registrars as well as media specialists outside of institutions. This pre-conference workshop will cover a broad range of material and illuminate current challenges and viewpoints in this media/technological field.

Fine Art Insurance Seminar

October 2, 2009: Seattle, WA

Refresh your knowledge on the basics of museum and exhibition insurance. Learn how to purchase fine art insurance or what you can do to improve your current policy. Learn some of the current issues in dealing with exhibition insurance on a domestic and international level. Learn from experts in the field. Attendees will have an opportunity to dialogue with the panelists and seek advice about their own institution’s current policy issues.

Copyright Basics Seminar

September 11, 2009: Portland, OR

Join colleagues in refreshing your skills on the basics of copyright. Learn about intellectual property basics, which types of works can be protected by copyright and what that protection allows (and doesn’t!). Get clarification about “Fair Use” and “Public Domain.” We will learn about utilizing and sharing copyright protected images, non-exclusive licenses and creative common licenses.

Soft Packing: For Internal and External Moves

June 1, 2009: Scottsdale, AZ

Are you sending objects out on loan, moving into a new facility or moving objects around your current facility? Does your institution lack the funds for professional crafting and moving services? Well, you’re not alone. Come to this one day workshop and learn how to pack objects safely, without crating. We’ll talk about what packing supplies are appropriate in what circumstances and how to soft pack a variety of object types from pottery to paintings. The workshop will include demonstrations on how to soft pack several objects including a piece of pottery, a Kachina Doll, and a framed painting.

Fine Art Insurance Seminar

May 15, 2009: Pasadena, CA

Refresh your knowledge on the basics of museum and exhibition insurance. Learn how to purchase fine art insurance or what you can do to improve your current policy. Learn some of the current issues in dealing with exhibition insurance on a domestic and international level. Learn from experts in the field. Attendees will have an opportunity to dialogue with the panelists and seek advice about their own institution’s current policy issues.